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What You Can Eat for the Same Calories as a Cup of Rice

Rice lovers, stow the pitchforks: we’re not about to cancel your favorite carb. We also consume cup after steaming cup of these fluffy white grains. But with most things that are comforting and delicious, white rice does come with a few nutritional setbacks. And we wouldn’t be in wellness if we didn’t give them a peek, right?
So, here’s what we know. Unlike whole grains, white rice is a refined carb that’s been stripped of many essential nutrients, including fiber. Because of this, the body processes it much quicker than its brown or red counterparts, making you hungry faster. In other words: you actually end up eating more to make up for it. What a crushing betrayal, huh?

But let’s talk numbers: calorie-wise, long-grain, cooked white rice comes out to about 205 calories per one cup serving. It’s not Big Mac-huge, sure, but it’s still something. Especially when you consider that white rice is, in fact, a nutritional blackhole. Yikes!

If you’re feeling particularly famished in the morning, skip the silogs and reach for cereal instead. Be sure to resist the super sugary stuff and aim for the ones with lots of whole grains and minerals. Not only are they satisfying, you can also eat more of ‘em for fewer calories.
TRY: Fitnesse Cereal (330g), P170

Pili nuts are quickly ascending to superfood status, and we get why. Rich in antioxidants, these local marvels help decrease inflammation and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Seriously, if we’re gonna have to forgo rice, it better be for something this good for us.
TRY: Rains Delicacies Sea Salt Pili Nuts, P125

5. OVER TWO BAGS OF FREEZE-DRIED MANGOCALORIES: 90 cal per bag

We’re lucky we get our pick of fresh fruit out here, given these tropical climes. But in case storm season gets ugly before we can stock up on our favorite mangoes, there’s always the freeze-dried stuff. These taste exactly like the heart-shaped fruit, and you can have them whenever.
TRY: Just Fruit Just Mango (25g), P170

6. THREE COCONUT WRAPSCALORIES: 70 per wrap

Some people have to cut back on rice because they need to lessen their carb intake. But then what do you do about the cravings? Here, let us throw these coconut wraps into the ring. They’re the paleo- and keto-friendly alternative to wheat-based wraps (yes, they’re even gluten-free!). No less satiating, though!
TRY: Nuco Turmeric Organic Coconut Wraps, P149, Nuco Cinnamon Organic Coconut Wraps, P149

7. TWO TO THREE COOKED PANCAKESCALORIES: 84 per pancake

For everyone who likes to overindulge in pillowy pancakes, you’ll be pleased to know they’re not all that sinful. Especially if they’re homemade! You can stack ‘em up and go just a little over 200 calories. So next time your stomach grumbles for these breakfast sweets—give it what it wants. No regrets!
TRY: Pili & Pino Chocolate Pancake Mix (325g), P195, Pili & Pino Ube Pancake Mix (350g), P275

Of course, none of this is meant to fill in for white rice as a Pinoy dining staple. By all means, have at it! We know we will—we’ll just be more careful about exercising moderation. Now, what would you swap out that cup for?

Ayana Tolentino is a staff writer for Bloom. In 2016, she graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing. Since then, she's worked as a copywriter, social media associate, and pop culture contributor. She looks forward to getting back into the literary groove soon, whatever that means. Interested in all forms of art & gender studies.